We’re Taking a Pause

Lift the Veil was born from the deepest heartbreak—a mother’s love and grief after the loss of her son, William, to fentanyl.
For the past months, we’ve been building something with heart, courage, and urgency.

But healing takes time.
And sometimes, the bravest step is to rest.

Our founder, Chrisy Etheridge, is currently stepping back to care for her health, family, and grief.
This is not the end of the mission—only a necessary pause.

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We invite you to stay connected and be part of what’s next, when the time is right.

Thank you for your patience, your grace, and your belief in what this could become.

Our Story – From Grief to Action

  • A life lost too soon. A crisis too often ignored.
    On March 15, 2025, our son William died from an accidental fentanyl overdose. He was 31 years old.

    William wasn’t just our son — he was a father, a hard worker, a young man with a big laugh, a generous heart, and a future still unfolding.
    But behind his smile, he carried the silent weight of pain, shame, and addiction in a world that often looked the other way.

  • The heartbreak no family should endure.
    No parent should have to bury their child.
    No family should feel helpless while watching someone they love slip away.

    And no one should have to face addiction in silence.

    In the weeks following William’s death, I found myself not only grieving, but awakened. I saw how many families were just like mine — holding their breath, afraid to talk about it, not knowing what to do or where to turn.

  • Turning heartbreak into hope.
    I realized the stigma wasn’t just isolating individuals — it was also stopping families, churches, schools, and even healthcare providers from stepping in.
    And I knew I couldn’t stay quiet.

    William’s story didn’t end with his death — it became the heartbeat of a mission.
    One life. One story. One more chance.

    Lift the Veil was born to reach:

    • One more person searching for hope

    • One more family seeking addiction recovery

    • One more life that still has time to heal

    With enough voices, we can change everything.

Person in black jacket and cap taking a selfie with a smartphone.
Two red silicone wristbands with black printed text, one partially overlapping the other, against a black background.

Why a Red Bracelet?

The red bracelet is more than just a symbol—it’s a statement.

"I see the struggle."
"I choose compassion over silence."
"I believe in healing, not shame."

When my son William passed away in March 2025, he was wearing a red bracelet. It was returned to me by the funeral home, carefully tucked beside his ashes.

That bracelet came back not just as a memory of him, but as a message:

He was still reaching for hope. Still trying. Still worthy of love.

What it represents:

  • Red for love, courage, and the urgency of the crisis.

  • Visibility for those too often hidden or misunderstood.

  • Solidarity with families who are grieving, hoping, or healing.

Every bracelet sold funds awareness, education, and advocacy. Each bracelet worn helps reduce stigma and sparks conversations that save lives.

Why We Wear Red

  • Close-up selfie of a smiling woman with blue eyes and long brown hair, and a smiling man with a beard and mustache, outdoors with trees in the background.

    Chrisy Etheridge, Founder of Lift the Veil

    This bracelet was one of the last things Will wore—and now it’s become a symbol of everything I wish I could have said sooner. I created Lift the Veil to make sure other families don’t have to live with that silence. When you wear this bracelet, you’re standing with us. You’re choosing compassion over shame. You’re helping save a life.

  • Two men standing outdoors in front of green trees, smiling at the camera. One man has a beard and earrings, the other has a mustache and goatee.

    Brian Etheridge, President of Lift the Veil

    When I wear this bracelet, I carry William with me. It reminds me that silence can be deadly—and that every parent deserves a way to reach their child before it’s too late. Lift the Veil isn’t just about awareness. It’s about action. And this bracelet is our invitation to speak, to intervene, and to fight for the people we love.

  • Jessica E.

    I wear this red bracelet in honor of my daughter’s father—not only to remember him, but to break the silence around addiction. I want my daughter to know she’s not alone in fighting for his memory.

  • Rosann aka "Nana"

    I wear the red bracelet as a reminder of my Grandson William. I hope the Lift the Veil project reaches people who think they have no one who hears them. They need to be assured we will not judge and our only hope is to guide them to a place or person who is qualified to care for them. My prayer is that patience and understanding be bestowed upon all those who are lost to any addiction and to their loved ones.

  • Jaron

    I wear the Red “Lift the Veil” bracelet, because my brother used to wear one just like it. So, in a way, it’s a reminder of my brother, that I get to take with me everywhere, and always have with me. I haven’t taken it off since I got it!

  • Anonymous

    I wear the Lift the Veil bracelet in honor of my sister and brother whose struggle with alcohol and opioid addiction has been an ongoing battle. It took my sister’s life and almost took my brother. With the loss of my sister we learned that what is kept in the dark can end in tragedy. We’ve worked hard as a family to learn to face addiction head on and without shame. It can literally save lives.

  • Tre Byrd

    I wear the red bracelet in loving memory of my late brother, William Anthony Etheridge. Red was one of his favorite colors. We used to talk all the time about what kind of cars we’d get one day, and Will would always say he wanted a red Mitsubishi Evo — red exterior, black leather interior. That was his dream car.

    He used to wear a red bracelet for a while too. I’m not even sure where he got it from, but I wear mine now to keep him close. We had so much more we wanted to do, and this bracelet makes me feel like he’s still with me.

    I also wear it to support the Lift the Veil movement. I loved Will like a brother — blood couldn’t have made us any closer. For me, this red bracelet will always be a reminder of William. Love you, Bub. I’ll see you on the other side. 👊🏾💪🏾

  • Stacey Bowling, Secretary and Board Member, Lift the Veil

    I wear this bracelet to signify the importance of people’s lives that we’ve lost from accidental overdose, mental illness and addiction.

Our mission is clear.

Addiction doesn’t just impact individuals. It impacts families, communities, and generations.

We’re building a national movement focused on:

  • Education that’s easy to understand and free to access

  • Community where no one has to grieve or fight alone

  • Early family intervention tools so loved ones can take action before it’s too late

  • Speaker programs to reach schools, churches, and public spaces with truth and hope

This isn’t just a campaign. It’s a call to action.

Close-up of two people holding hands in prayer or a moment of connection.
A person holding their hands together in prayer or reflection, with overlay text that reads 'lift the veil' and below it, 'EDUCATION. ADVOCACY. COMMUNITY.' in beige and red font.

Break the Silence. Lift the Stigma. Support Families.

 FAQs

  • Lift the Veil is a nonprofit movement dedicated to empowering families and communities affected by addiction. Through education, advocacy, and support, we work to break the silence, reduce stigma, and offer real pathways to healing and hope.

  • Lift the Veil officially applied for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status on April 29, 2025. At the time of filing, we were advised the process would take approximately 6–8 weeks. However, according to an IRS.gov update, applications submitted after April 22 may experience an additional 6-week delay.

    While we await our determination letter, donations are not yet tax-deductible — but your gift will immediately support families through education, advocacy, and life-saving tools. We’re grateful for your support and hopeful that our status will be confirmed soon.

  • Yes. Your story matters more than you know. Inside our free community, you’ll find a safe space to share your experience, connect with others, and be part of a growing movement of healing and truth.

  • We offer tools, conversation guides, live events, and community connection to help loved ones support someone struggling with addiction — especially before crisis hits. We're also developing workshops, speaker programs, and a training for family advocates.

  • Start by joining the community and signing up for updates! From there, you can share your story, host a local meet-up, or train to become a Lift the Veil Advocate. Everyone has a role to play — and we’ll help you find yours.